Year
2010
Abstract
Dealing with legacy materials from many sites across the DOE Complex is a challenging task. The challenges can initially take their shape in the form of researching the documentation and process data on hard copy or microfiche format from as far back as the 1970's from many locations and complexes. Containerization issues may play a significant role in creating challenges for legacy materials. Time itself may also be a challenge that has to be faced. Times may have changed where approvals may have expired on previously accepted methods of containerization for storage. Additionally transportation of materials may no longer be approved in current configuration. Times may have changed or our focus has changed and our former \"best practice\" on how we conducted business is no longer acceptable. The level of scrutiny and the detail of the work performed is now more stringent. The \"times\" have caused further development and brought further change with the appearance of ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act). These evolutions in how we do business do not stop with the creation on new programs and increased scrutiny alone. We also have to consider the DOE Order requirements first and from these flow safety basis concerns, nuclear criticality safety concerns, as well as changes to the Order and discard limits changes while balancing economic and environmental factors. Though there is a march of time and change; we have to remember that our focus is on the accountability of Nuclear Materials. This \"calling\" is also a duty which encompasses a sacred trust that is important to our nation and the world. These challenges even though great, are an opportunity for success and to excel.